Department for Transport

Invalid Vehicles

baroness byford: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 9 October (HL1367), what rules govern the acquisition and use of mobility scooters.

baroness byford: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the purchase or rental of a mobility scooter is dependent upon an assessment by a health professional of the degree of invalidity of the user.

baroness sugg: The law states that a Class 2 and Class 3 vehicle may only be used by a disabled person, or by a non-disabled person who is demonstrating a vehicle before sale, training a disabled user or taking the vehicle to or from a place for maintenance or repair. In addition, a Class 3 vehicle can only be used by a disabled person aged 14 or over. A disabled person in this context is someone with an injury, physical disability or medical condition which means that they are unable to walk or have difficulty in walking. Mobility vehicle users are encouraged to have an assessment with a dealer or supplier before acquiring a vehicle and to take training in their use. The law does not require people to provide proof that they have a 'physical defect or disability’ in order to qualify to use a mobility scooter.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much of the fundingthey provideto Highways England is invested in improving local roads, and what is their assessment of the importance of those roads in supporting traffic flows on the Strategic Roads Network.

baroness sugg: In carrying out their role to operate, maintain and improve the Strategic Road Network (SRN), Highways England often provide investment to ensure effective traffic flow across both strategic and local roads. Figures are not held centrally for the total spend on local roads across these projects. In setting the next Road Investment Strategy, the Government will consider opportunities for investment in local roads where this will improve the performance of the SRN.

Home Office

Firearms: Licensing

lord mancroft: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many European Firearms Passes were issued to firearms certificate holders in 2016.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office publishes financial year information on the number of European Firearms Passes in table 11 (see below) of the ‘Firearm and Shotgun Certificates in England and Wales Statistics - Financial Year 2016/17’ publication.This is available from the Home Office webpage on GOV.UK at:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/624004/firearm-shotgun-certificates-england-wales-march-2017-tables.ods  Table 11 - European firearm passes: applications, cancellations and passes on issue, 2016/17   APPLICATIONS Grant of new certificateRenewal of certificateCancellationsPasses on issue as at 31 March 2017 ENGLAND AND WALES1,8663,07289515,519European firearms pass is a passport for firearms for EU residents intending to take their firearm or shotgun to another EU state.



Table 11 - Firearm & Shotgun Certs in Eng & Wales 
(Excel SpreadSheet, 9.86 KB)

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Regulatory Policy Committee

baroness andrews: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the Grenfell Tower fire, what consideration they have given to increasing the scope of the Regulatory Policy Committee so that it can rate impact assessments on the basis of the evidence presented relating to wider societal impacts.

lord henley: All impact assessments are required to include analysis of the wider societal impacts in line with Green Book rules and these are agreed by senior civil service analysts and where considered significant, signed off by Chief Economists. The role of the Regulatory Policy Committee is to provide independent scrutiny of the quality of evidence and the robustness of estimates in the impact assessment, and they can already provide comment and scrutiny on the analysis of wider impacts.

Business: Regulation

baroness andrews: To ask Her Majesty's Government which body will be appointed as the Independent Verification Body, in accordance with section 25 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

lord henley: The Government is considering which body to appoint and will make a decision in due course.

Business: Regulation

baroness andrews: To ask Her Majesty's Government what approach they will take to deliver better regulation during the current Parliament.

lord henley: The Government is considering how the better regulation system will operate in this Parliament. It will be important to have a system that continues to support well-targeted and effective regulations which protect the public.

Small Businesses

lord evans of watford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussionsthey have had with representatives of small businesses to understand their needs and concerns regarding the impact of the UK's exit from the EU.

lord henley: Ministers and officials have engaged extensively on EU exit with businesses, business groups and trade bodies across all regions of the UK. My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has been meeting regularly with five of the biggest business groups, including the Federation for Small Business. We want to achieve the best possible outcome and the strongest possible partnership - one that works for UK businesses. We plan to be ambitious in these negotiations and will secure the best possible access for firms to trade with and operate in the European market.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Venezuela: Politics and Government

baroness anelay of st johns: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, published on 7 November, that the National Assembly of Venezuela is the only body empowered to issue a decision to remove the parliamentary immunity of Mr Freddy Guevara, Deputy First Vice-President of the National Assembly of Venezuela.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK, together with EU Member States, does not recognise the Constituent Assembly. The UK believes that strong, independent, and democratically elected institutions, such as the National Assembly, are key to democracy. The Constituent Assembly's removal of parliamentary immunity from Mr Guevara is further evidence of its erosion of democratic processes in Venezuela.

Venezuela: Politics and Government

baroness anelay of st johns: To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent representations they have made to the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regarding (1) respecting the constitutional order in Venezuela, (2) the separation of powers, (3) the privilege of parliamentary immunity, and (4) human rights including freedom of expression and the right to due process.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Ministers and officials regularly raise these issues with their Venezuelan counterparts. On 10 October, the Minister for Europe and the Americas raised our concerns regarding the deteriorating socioeconomic situation in Venezuela with the Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza. We also work with like-minded Governments to raise our concerns publicly through international bodies. Recent examples include the September Human Rights Council and the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which issued new Council Conclusions on Venezuela on 13 November, and the UN Security Council.

Syria: Kurds

baroness hodgson of abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to enable Kurdish representation as part of the Syrian peace process negotiations.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: There is Kurdish representation at Syrian peace negotiations in Geneva through the Kurdish National Council, which has a role within the opposition High Negotiations Committee. Invitations for any other groups to the Geneva peace negotiations are a matter for the UN Special Envoy for Syria. The UN Envoy has involved Kurdish and other minority groups in civil society discussions alongside formal negotiations in GenevaWe maintain that any political settlement must be inclusive. All Syrian constituencies must ultimately be represented in discussion on Syria's future – this is a key principle in the 2012 Geneva communique and UNSCR 2254.

Turkey: Kurds

baroness hodgson of abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government what diplomatic, military, and humanitarian training and support theyhave provided to the Turkish Kurds in the last two years.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: In the past two years, our Embassy in Ankara has supported a number of civil society projects that aim to build understanding and dialogue on the Kurdish issue and other minority rights issues in Turkey.

Iraq: Kurds

baroness hodgson of abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government what diplomatic, military, and humanitarian training and support they have provided to the Iraqi Kurds in the lasttwo years.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Kurds in Iraq have been a critical ally in the campaign to defeat Daesh. As part of the Global Coalition against Daesh, the UK has trained over 9,100 Peshmerga in infantry, counter-IED, engineering, and medical skills, as well as on the protection of civilians. The UK has also provided arms and ammunition to the Peshmerga and air support as a part of the CoalitionWe are seeking to improve cooperation among Kurdish parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and encourage political and economic reform. Officials have regular contact with members of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraqi Kurdish political parties and other representatives. The Minister for the Middle East visited Erbil in July and September; and the Secretary of State for Defence visited in SeptemberThis year, the Department for International Development is providing £40 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq, which includes the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, taking the Department's total commitment towards the humanitarian response to £209.5 million since 2014. This includes UK support for a Joint Crisis Coordination Centre in Erbil which plans disaster responses and humanitarian operations.

Syria: Kurds

baroness hodgson of abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government what diplomatic, military, and humanitarian training and support they have provided to the Syrian Kurds in the last two years.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK does not provide any direct assistance to the ​YPG or PYD. As part of the Global Coalition against Daesh, we have provided military support to the Syrian Democratic Forces, of which the YPG are a contingent part, in the campaign to remove Daesh from Eastern Syria. We have also provided humanitarian and stabilisation support to address the immediate needs of the local population.We maintain political and diplomatic contact with several Kurdish groups to influence their policy and work towards a political solution to the conflict, encouraging commitment to pluralism and pressing for cooperation with the wider Syrian opposition. We have also used our occasional contact with the PYD to express concern over reports of human rights abuses by its associated security forces and over links with both the Assad regime and the PKK.

Turkey: Travel Information

lord mcinnes of kilwinning: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the last review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice tosouth eastTurkey wasundertaken, specifically with reference to (1) Mardin, (2) Diyarbakir, and (3) Şanlıurfa; what risks wereidentified; and how oftenthat advice is reviewed.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The travel advice to Turkey is kept under regular review, based on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s active monitoring of the situation on the ground. Our assessment remains that the risk of travelling to Mardin, Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa remains unacceptably high.

Philippines: Administration of Justice

lord moynihan: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made representations to the government of the Philippines regarding the systematic practice of extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users and other suspected criminals.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are very concerned by the death toll and human rights violations associated with the 'war on illegal drugs' in the Philippines. The UK urges thorough and independent investigations into all violent deaths, and for the Philippine government to ensure those involved in abuses, including security forces, are brought to justice. We continue to offer UK expertise on evidence-based drug policies and rehabilitation of drug addictsMinisters and officials have raised concerns with their Philippine counterparts, including the Minister for Asia and the Pacific, with the Philippine Ambassador and senior Philippine parliamentarians. The UK has also raised concerns at the Human Rights Council including through the Philippines Universal Periodic Review process.

Turkey: LGBT People

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey about the trial of LGBT pride marchers taking place on16 Novemberat Istanbul Çağlayan Courthouse.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are aware that 25 people who participated in the banned Istanbul Pride march face charges for participation in an unsanctioned rally. We regularly urge Turkey to work towards full protection of fundamental rights, including with respect to freedom of expression and assembly, and will continue to do so. UK Ministers have been clear with Turkey that they believe the State of Emergency, imposed following the coup attempt in 2016, should be lifted.

Department for International Development

Yemen: Military Intervention

lord ahmed: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current humanitarian situation in Yemen in relation to the military action taken by the government of Saudi Arabia.

lord bates: The UK condemns the attempted missile strike on Riyadh on 4 November and recognises the need for Saudi Arabia to take measures to stem the flow of weapons into Yemen. At the same time it is vital that Yemen remains open to commercial and humanitarian imports: the UN has warned that we could face the worst famine seen for decades unless the current Saudi-led Coalition restrictions are lifted. The UK has publicly called for the immediate reopening of Hodeidah port and the resumption of United Nations flights into the country. The Foreign Secretary raised the urgency of the humanitarian situation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on 23 November.We welcome the Saudi-led Coalition statement on 22 November announcing plans to open Hodeidah port to humanitarian aid and Sana’a airport to UN flights as an initial step. This alone will not be enough to avert disaster - it is critical commercial imports are also allowed as Yemen relies on these for 85-90% of its food.The UK continues to be a leading donor to Yemen - committing £155 million for the Financial Year 2017/18, making us the fourth largest humanitarian donor overall.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, following comments byLord Bates on 3 April (HL Deb, cols 914–34) that they are committed to tackling neglected tropical diseases, why leprosy has not been included in the ASCEND programme or in all the Department for International Development’s neglected tropical diseases funding opportunities.

lord bates: DFID’s decision to focus on certain NTDs in existing programmes was based on analysis of disease burden, gaps, impact and cost effectiveness. Our new ASCEND programme to tackle NTDs is being designed to be flexible and could include leprosy if activities can be delivered in an integrated way with focus diseases.DFID is a leading donor tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally through a range of NTD programmes, activities with the relevant part of WHO and research. DFID works to strengthen health systems, which helps countries to prevent and treat causes of ill health, including leprosy. DFID also funds civil society organisations such as Leprosy Mission England and Wales and LEPRA to diagnose, treat and support those afflicted with leprosy.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people worldwide were diagnosed with leprosy in the last year for which figures are available; how many of those affected were children; in how many countries the disease was reported; and how many people worldwide are living with disabilities as a result of leprosy.

lord bates: The WHO reported the detection of 214,783 new cases of leprosy in 2016. In countries for which figures for children were available, a total of 18,230 of those affected were children. 137 countries reported leprosy prevalence for 2016, with 102 countries reporting 1 or more new cases. 13 countries reported 1,000 new cases or more. The number of new cases with grade-2 disabilities, where a person has visible deformities, was 12,819.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their approach to tackling leprosy; what mapping of leprosy hotspots they have made to ensure targeted interventions; whether they have supported any new early diagnostic tests for leprosy; and if so, which ones.

lord bates: Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease, as defined by the World Health Organisation. DFID supports progress towards the WHO 2020 targets on leprosy through our funding to civil society organisations such as Leprosy Mission England and Wales and LEPRA and to the WHO’s NTD programme. DFID has not supported the development of any new diagnostic tests for leprosy, but DFID supports the strengthening of health systems, helping to ensure that countries are better able to detect and treat all causes of ill health, including leprosy.

Developing Countries: Leprosy

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, to combat leprosy, the Department for International Development has supported the use of (1)contact tracing, (2) chemoprophylaxis, (3) improvements to water, sanitation and hygience (WASH), and (4) education about the transmission of leprosy.

lord bates: DFID is a leading donor tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally through activities with the relevant part of WHO, research and strengthening health systems, which helps countries to prevent and treat ill health, including leprosy. The WHO, supported by Novartis, provides multidrug therapy (MDT) to all diagnosed leprosy patients in the world.DFID does not have water, sanitation and hygiene programmes that target leprosy specifically, but DFID programmes focus on safe water that will support limb care and other needs of those afflicted with leprosy.On education, the DFID-funded LEPRA project in Bangladesh uses a participatory approach, empowering women to detect the early signs of leprosy within their communities, teaching self-care practices and strengthening the local health service response.

Turkey: Refugees

lord mcinnes of kilwinning: To ask Her Majesty's Government what aid has been given to (1) NGOs, and (2) the government of Turkey, to support Syrian and Iraqi refugees in (a) Turkish refugee camps, and(b) communities outside refugee camps.

lord bates: In 2016, DFID committed €328 million to the €3 billion EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey (FRIT). The UK also contributes to the FRIT via ongoing EU budget payments.The FRIT is supporting refugees including Syrians and Iraqis by building schools, providing health services and social welfare payments for the most vulnerable refugees, and providing vital municipal infrastructure such as waste management and water treatment facilities to alleviate pressure on Turkish communities hosting refugees.The EU works with partners including NGOs, UN agencies and International Financial Institutions to deliver support to refugees and host communities under the FRIT. The Government of Turkey also receive grants for education, health and migration management.As over 90% of refugees in Turkey live outside refugee camps, most of the FRIT’s assistance is targeted to refugees living in host communities.Complementing the assistance through the FRIT, the UK also has a number of small bilateral migration and refugee-related projects. These are primarily building up the capacity of Turkish authorities and NGOs to manage the challenges of integrating refugees into communities across Turkey.

Turkey: Refugees

lord mcinnes of kilwinning: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their most recent estimate of the number of Syrian refugees in Turkey (1) in refugee camps, and(2) outside refugee camps.

lord bates: The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports that 3.3 million Syrian refugees are currently registered in Turkey. Over 90% of Syrian refugees in Turkey live outside refugee camps in host communities.

Developing Countries: Malaria

baroness hayman: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding they have committed to (1) bilateral assistance, (2) multilateral organisations, and (3) research and development, in relation to malaria, in each of the last three years.

lord bates: UK spending on bilateral and multilateral assistance categorised as malaria control is published as part of “Data underlying Statistics on International Development” (SID). UK Official Development Assistance spend on Malaria research is not specifically coded within SID. Accounting for support to multilateral organizations, bilateral malaria control programmes, health systems strengthening, and research, DFID’s estimates of total UK Government malaria spend is £499m for 2016/17.DFID is currently the second largest global funder of the effort against malaria and expects to remain a leading global donor in the future.

Iran: Earthquakes

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what humanitarian assistance they have offered to the Iranian authorities following the earthquake in Kermanshah on 12 November.

lord bates: HMG stands ready to offer assistance to Iran, following the earthquake on 12 November and has made this offer to the Iranian authorities. The government of Iran has not requested international assistance so far.

Department for Education

Teachers: Average Earnings

lord beecham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the average salary for (1) head teachers, and (2) other teaching staff, in (a) private schools, (b) academies, and (c) local education authority schools, at (i) primary, and (ii) secondary level.

lord agnew of oulton: The information requested is published in the statistical first release ‘School Workforce in England, November 2016’ available at the following web link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school-workforce. The average salary for full and part-time head teachers in service at primary and secondary academies and local council maintained schools is published in table 9d, copy attached. Tables 9a, Table 9b and Table 9c, copy attached, show the average salaries for those employed full and part-time, in service at primary and secondary academies and local council maintained schools. This includes:Teachers (including heads, deputy heads, assistant heads, advisory teachers, classroom teachers and leading practitioners);Classroom teachers (including classroom and leading practitioners); andLeadership teachers (including heads, deputy, assistant heads and advisory teachers). Salary information for teachers in private schools is not collected by the department.  



Tables
(Excel SpreadSheet, 668.29 KB)

Digital Technology: Primary Education

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of digital skills and understanding at Key Stage 1; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of digital skills and understanding at Key Stage 2; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of digital skills and understanding at Key Stage 3; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of digital skills and understanding at Key Stage 4; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of computer science, with particular regard to artificial intelligence, at Key Stage 1; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of computer science, with particular regard to artificial intelligence, at Key Stage 2; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of computer science, with particular regard to artificial intelligence, at Key Stage 3; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of computer science, with particular regard to artificial intelligence, at Key Stage 4; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord agnew of oulton: Our computing curriculum and computer science qualifications are world standard and we are committed to ensuring that teachers have the knowledge and skills they need to be able to teach them effectively. The key stage 1-4 computing programme of study in the national curriculum, which was first taught from September 2014, is designed to ensure that pupils:  evaluate and apply information technology;write computer programs;understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science; andare responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.  The computing programme of study is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-computing-programmes-of-study. Artificial intelligence (AI), as a branch of computer science, is not explicitly labelled in the computing curriculum as the programmes of study are designed to allow study of the full breadth of computing fields. However, programming is the bedrock by which AI operates and this is a core feature throughout. The government will be investing £84 million of new funding to support digital skills through a new comprehensive programme, focused on improving computing teaching in schools. This will include training up to 8,000 existing computer science teachers to teach computer science GCSE, creating a new National Centre for Computing Education that will reach both primary and secondary schools, and pilots for activities with a focus on increasing uptake by girls. This funding will be in addition to the £5.8 million we have already invested since 2012 in the Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science and £1 million for the creation of free online resources for primary school teachers.

Digital Technology: Further Education

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of digital skills and understanding in post-16 education; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord agnew of oulton: We have announced that one of the first three T-Levels will be a digital specialism, to be taught from 2020; and introduced new innovative employer accredited digital degree apprenticeships. We have also announced £20 million towards developing an Institute of Coding to serve as a national focus for improving digital skills provision as well as established Ada, National College for Digital Skills which will seek to train up to 5,000 students in its first seven years for a wide range of digital careers. To support those who have already left the formal education system, we announced in the March 2017 Digital Strategy that we will fully fund specified basic digital skills training for adults lacking these vital skills which will mirror existing entitlements for adult literacy and numeracy training. In the Budget we announced that digital skills will be an initial focus of the National Retraining Scheme, along with construction. As part of the scheme, the government will invest £30 million to test the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative EdTech in online digital skills courses, so that students can benefit from this emerging technology, wherever they are in the country. We are also working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the digital skills partnership, seeking to work with industry to identify and fill skills gaps across the UK.

Migrant Workers: Fees and Charges

lord fox: To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to use the money raised from the Immigration Skills Charge.

lord agnew of oulton: The income raised from the Immigration Skills Charge will be used to address skills gaps within the UK’s workforce contributing to the department’s skills budget. This budget is used to develop the necessary skills of individuals required by employers.

Disabled Students' Allowances: Dyslexia

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byLord Agnew of Oulton on 13 November (HL Deb, cols 1799–1800), whether they have any plans to review the current assessment system for dyslexic students applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance, including the cost to the student.

viscount younger of leckie: We will review the evidential requirements for students applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) with Specific Learning Difficulties, particularly those with dyslexia. This review will seek expert opinion as to whether it is still necessary for dyslexic students to have a post-16 diagnostic assessment when applying for DSAs. The review will not consider the issue of who should pay for such a diagnostic assessment: DSAs funding is currently not available to determine eligibility.

Children in Care

lord mccoll of dulwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve the stability of care placements and education provision for children in care.

lord agnew of oulton: A happy and stable home life is key to making sure children can achieve their full potential. Stability and educational attainment will be promoted by the introduction, via the Children and Social Work Act 2017, of corporate parenting principles for local councils – including principles to promote high aspirations and seek to secure the best outcomes and to strive for stability in the home lives, relationship and education of looked after children.There are a number of factors that contribute to instability for children in care and we are now collecting data on the reason for placement changes. This will help us better understand why children move.We have introduced a legal definition of long term fostering to ensure greater stability – where possible – for foster carers and children. The government has also invested £36m to test a range of evidenced-based interventions which support placement stability and improve the capacity of parents, foster carers and residential childcare workers to manage challenging behaviours.The government has introduced a specific duty on local councils to promote the education of looked after children. We have also introduced Virtual School Heads and designated teachers for looked after children and Pupil Premium Plus for looked after children, additional funding to help raise their educational attainment.

Social Services: Children and Young People

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations in the report by the Local Government Association, Bright Futures—getting the best for children, young people and families.

lord agnew of oulton: The government has noted the Local Government Association’s (LGA) recommendations in their report, Bright Futures – getting the best for children, young people and families. We are continuing to work closely with the LGA, and wider children’s sector, to develop and deliver the government’s strategy to ensure all children receive high quality care and support.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education

lord stoddart of swindon: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the Prime Minister’s comments at the PinkNews Awards on 18 October, what steps they are taking toensure that “LGBT issues are taught well” in English schools; and at what age groups such lessons will be aimed.

lord agnew of oulton: Schools are bound by the Equality Act 2010, including the Public Sector Equality Duty 2011, to ensure that teaching is accessible to all children and young people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. All schools should make provision for high quality, age appropriate personal, social, economic and health education, which includes Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). When teaching RSE, all secondary schools, including academies through their funding agreement, must have regard to the Sex and Relationship Education guidance attached. The government is making the teaching of Relationships Education in primary schools and RSE in secondary schools mandatory through regulations. The department has begun a process of engagement and will be working with teachers, parents, safeguarding experts and others to develop age-appropriate subject content for all key stages. This process will support the development of the regulations and guidance, both of which are subject to public consultation next year.



Sex and Relationship Education Guidance 
(Word Document, 406.61 KB)

ICT: Pre-school Education

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of digital skills and understanding at Early Years Foundation Stage; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord agnew of oulton: The early learning goal (ELG) for technology in the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework, attached, is for “children to recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes.”The primary assessment consultation response published on 14 September confirmed, attached, that we will review the ELGs and descriptors. For further information the consultation response can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/primary-assessment-in-england.



The early learning goal for technology
(PDF Document, 551.47 KB)




The primary assessment consultation response
(PDF Document, 364.79 KB)

ICT: Further Education

lord clement-jones: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they have made for the teaching of computer science, with particular regard to artificial intelligence, in post-16 education; what assessment they have made of that provision; and whether they have any plans to change it.

lord agnew of oulton: The government introduced the reformed computer science A level for first teaching in 2015. The new A level has a strong focus on programming, algorithms and problem solving, which underpin artificial intelligence systems. We have just announced in the Budget that we will be creating an online platform to support A level computer science teaching, as part of a wider £84 million programme of support for school teachers of computing. The independent review carried out by Sir Nigel Shadbolt into computer science accreditation and graduate employability, included artificial intelligence courses among other computer science courses in its assessment. The government is working with stakeholders to take recommendations forward.

Ministry of Defence

HMS Ocean

lord northbrook: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the sale of HMS Ocean, in the light of that ship's role in providing support to the Overseas Territories hit by hurricanes this summer.

earl howe: I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to Lord West of Spithead on 25 September 2017, to Question number HL1505. There are currently no plans to review the decision to decommission HMS OCEAN in 2018.



HL1505 - WQnA extract on HMS OCEAN
(Word Document, 12.57 KB)

Department for Work and Pensions

Employment: Disability

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide employers with information and advice on how to support their disabled employees.

baroness buscombe: We continue to work with employers to support and encourage them to build healthy, inclusive workplaces where disabled people and people with health conditions can thrive.Through Disability Confident we are getting employers to think differently about disability and to take action to improve how they attract, recruit and retain disabled workers. The Department is constantly looking to improve the Disability Confident offer to employers that sign up and to do this we have introduced a specialist themed approach, offering additional advice, guidance and support on a wide range of topics such as Mental Health, Autism and Neuro-diversity and Reasonable adjustments. The Department is also working more directly with smaller employers through the new Small Employer Offer, which provides small employers with a personalised package of support including advice from specialist advisers.Finally, Access to Work provides practical and financial support for employers and employees with the additional costs faced by individuals whose health or disability affects the way they do their job. The scheme does not replace the duty an employer has under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments, instead it provides support that is over and above that.

Employment: Disability

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report Let's Talk,published by Scope; andhow they intend to respond to its recommendations,

baroness buscombe: The Government is committed to supporting disabled people and people with long term health conditions to enter, remain in, and return to work, and to deliver the health benefits that good work brings. We are committed to seeing 1 million more disabled people in work in the next 10 years. This autumn we will provide an update on the recent work we’ve been doing on work, health and disability and respond to the consultation we held on the ‘Improving Lives: Work: Health and Disability Green Paper’, and set out our next steps. We welcome the contributions that the Scope report makes to the debate and note its recommendations.

Welfare State: Reform

lord ouseley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what equality impact assessments were made before the introduction of each welfare benefits change during the past seven years; and what potential adverse impacts on different groups of people were identified.

baroness buscombe: The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Affordable Housing: Construction

baroness byford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they have issued to planning authorities concerning the inclusion in permissions for housing schemes of a clause or clauses regarding the priority to be given to the construction of affordable dwellings.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. This is supported by planning practice guidance.The NPPF recommends that local planning authorities plan for a diverse range of housing however it is their responsibility to determine affordable housing policies, and to assess planning applications accordingly. It is up to local authorities to determine their policies for affordable housing, and to determine their planning applications accordingly.Where local policies indicate that affordable housing provision is necessary, Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires developers to enter into obligations to provide affordable homes. These obligations must be fully justified and evidenced.

Affordable Housing: Construction

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many viability assessments in (1) 2015, (2) 2016, and (3) 2017, have led to affordable housing requirements attached to planning conditions being reduced on appeal.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Planning Inspectorate do not record information on the frequency of viability assessments used as evidence in planning appeals.The Government's 'Planning for the right homes in the right places' consultation closed on 9 November, this included proposals to improve certainty and transparency in the assessment of viability, including the impact upon delivery of affordable housing. The government is considering the views expressed in the consultation to inform revisions to planning policy and guidance.

Private Rented Housing: Electrical Safety

lord tope: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to improve electrical safety in the private rented sector.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Local authorities have strong powers to crack down on rogue landlords, drive up standards and help ensure properties are free of potentially dangerous hazards to tenants’ health and safety.The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep electrical installations in repair and proper working order. Mandatory five yearly electrical installation checks are required for Houses in Multiple Occupation.An enabling power was included in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 allowing requirements for electrical safety standards in the private rented sector, and their enforcement, to be set through secondary legislation at a later date. Following Royal Assent of the Act, a Working Group of relevant experts was established to provide recommendations to ministers on what, if any, legislative requirements should be introduced. The Working Group report has been published online at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-working-group-reportThe working group has recommended introducing five yearly mandatory electrical installation checks for private rented property and that other safety measures be encouraged as good practice and set out in guidance.The Government will consult in the new year to test the recommendations of the working group to ensure that any regulation introduced is balanced and works for landlords and tenants. We also want to take account of the conclusions of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety led by Dame Judith Hackitt before making policy decisions.



Working Group report
(PDF Document, 322.38 KB)

HM Treasury

Tobacco: EU Action

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they support the most recent EU Commission proposals for a pan-European tobacco track-and-trace scheme.

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made as to the likely effectiveness in dealing with the illicit tobacco trade of the most recent EU Commission proposals for a pan-European tobacco track-and-trace scheme.

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the most recent EU Commission proposals for a pan-European tobacco track-and-trace scheme in the light of their consultation on a possible tobacco licensing consultation that states that "The government does not consider that the case has been made for an additional tobacco supply-chain licensing system aimed specifically at reducing the illicit trade.”

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey have madeas to the impact on small and medium sized businesses, including independent retailers, in respect of the most recent EU Commission proposals for a pan-European tobacco track-and-trace scheme, including start-up and annual running costs.

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the most recent EU Commission proposals for a pan-European tobacco track-and-trace scheme in the light of their commitment to cut a further £10 billion of redtape over the course of this Parliament.

lord bates: The government has been working on the draft implementing legislation for Articles 15 and 16 of the EU Tobacco Products Directive with the Commission and other Member States. We are aware of concerns raised by businesses affected and have been working to try to ensure that the system adopted is effective, efficient and proportionate in tackling the trade in illicit tobacco products which puts public health at risk and avoids the payment of duty. This includes working to ensure that the burdens imposed by new EU regulations are kept to a minimum. A number of amendments have been made to the proposed regulations in line with meeting these objectives.The Directive provides for the costs of the scheme, including the necessary equipment for those involved in the supply chain to be met by the tobacco industry and for the identification codes need by independent retailers to be obtained by their suppliers on their behalf if desired.It has not been possible for the UK to produce its own assessment of the overall business impacts or effectiveness in tackling the illicit trade due to the continuing changes to the proposed regulations.In responding to the consultation on possible licensing of the tobacco supply chain, the government considered the additional controls that would be offered by measures under this Directive and concluded that there was currently no case for an additional licensing scheme operated by HM Revenue & Customs to tackle the illicit trade.

EU Budget: Contributions

lord green of deddington: To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the total of the contributions that the UK made to the EU and its predecessors in each of the last 30 years, broken down by year; and what those totals would now be if adjusted for inflation.

lord bates: The UK’s gross contribution in 2016 was £16.996 billion. The UK’s gross contribution has varied over last 30 years, ranging between £9.5 billion and £20 billion once adjusted for inflation in 2016 prices. For the total annual UK contributions made to the EU and its predecessors, dating back to 1973, I would direct my noble Lord to Table 2 (page 9) of the House of Commons Library briefing paper The UK’s contribution to the EU Budget. Table 3 (page 10) of the same document gives the contributions in real (2016) prices, calculated using the Office for National Statistics (ONS) GDP deflator. All other underlying assumptions used are detailed in the publication.

Cryptocurrencies

lord harris of haringey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend tobring forward proposals to bring digital currency exchanges under money laundering regulations.

lord bates: The Government is currently negotiating amendments to the 4th Money Laundering Directive that we expect to bring virtual currency exchange platforms and custodian wallet providers into the scope of Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing regulation. This will require such firms to conduct due diligence upon their customers, with their activities being overseen by national competent authorities for these areas. The government supports the intention behind these amendments. We expect these negotiations to conclude at EU level in late 2017/early 2018.

Cryptocurrencies

lord harris of haringey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have plans to reform capital gains taxation for the digital currency sector.

lord bates: Gains made on digital currency are currently chargeable at the normal Capital Gains Tax rates, depending on the facts of the case. The government keeps all tax policy under review.

Cryptocurrencies

lord harris of haringey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have plans to allow UK taxpayers to pay their taxes in digital currency.

lord bates: HM Revenue and Customs does not offer digital currencies as a payment method and has no current plans to do so.

I Want Tickets

lord moynihan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the Paradise Papers reveal that the company I Want Ticket Inc was structured to avoid paying UK tax on ticket sales.

lord moynihan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what evidence they have of tax avoidance being undertaken by secondary ticketing operators.

lord bates: This Government is clear that everyone has a responsibility to pay the tax that is owed. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cannot comment on individual cases, but it will investigate any allegations of wrongdoing brought to its attention. Since 2010, HMRC has generated more than £160 billion of additional yield from tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.

Taxation

lord willoughby de broke: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to change the tax treatment accorded to contributions made to (1) ISAs, (2) Venture Capital Trusts, and (3) Enterprise Investment Schemes.

lord willoughby de broke: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to change the tax treatment accorded to pension contributions.

lord bates: Autumn Budget 2017 made a number of announcements about the Government’s plans for ISAs, Venture Capital Trusts, the Enterprise Investment Scheme, and the tax treatment accorded to pension contributions. The ISA annual subscription limit for 2018-2019 will remain unchanged at £20,000. In April 2017 the annual ISA allowance increased by a record amount to £20,000. Both the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) scheme are being expanded to provide further support for knowledge intensive companies while re-directing investment from low-risk ‘capital preservation’ investments into entrepreneurial, growth companies. Full details of the EIS and VCT changes can be found in the Government’s response to the consultation Financing Growth in Innovative Firms, published alongside Autumn Budget 2017. The Budget also confirmed that the lifetime allowance for pension savings will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index, rising to £1,030,000 for the tax year 2018 to 2019.

EU Budget: Contributions

lord grocott: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the total net contribution of the UK to EU expenditure for the past 20 years, expressed in 2017 prices.

lord bates: The Government does not hold estimates of the total net contribution of the UK to EU expenditure in 2017 prices. Using the Office for National Statistics’ GDP Deflator, as of March 2017, the House of Commons Library briefing paper The UK’s contribution to the EU Budget has calculated the total annual UK contributions to the EU and its predecessors in real (2016) prices, dating back to 1973. Both gross and net contributions are given in Table 3, page 10 of the document. The totals for net contributions do not account for payments made directly from the EU to private sector bodies.All other underlying assumptions used are detailed in the publication.